Capcom is calling Mega Man Legends 3 for the Nintendo 3DS the first Capcom game to be co-developed by fans. That's why there'll be a prototype version of the game available for testing as soon as Nintendo opens up the 3DS eShop.

That's right, Capcom is releasing an unfinished version of a game still in early development in order to let fans in on the creation process. Mega Man Legends 3: Prototype Version will give players their first taste of the new title's locations, characters, and the new close combat battle system over the course of a selection of missions. Once those missions are finished, players game access to unfinished areas of the game, along with a debug room where they can try out some special moves and hidden abilities.

This isn't a one-way deal though. Once you're done playing, Capcom fully expects you to join the Mega Man Legends 3 dev community, offering your suggestions for the game for a chance to see your name in the credits when the dust clears.

Of course we've still got to wait until Nintendo's eShop is open for business, but it shouldn't be too long now. In the meantime, enjoy the trailer and screens for Mega Man Legends 3: Prototype Version.